He had a long army career, first enlisting in August 1887 at the age of 19, and eventually rising to the rank of sergeant, before his discharge in December 1907. He re-enlisted in September 1914 and was demobilised in February 1919. Patrick served initially with the Leinster Regiment, and later the Royal Munster Fusiliers. He served in many countries during his first phase of service, including in Malta, Mauritius and South Africa. He was serving as a postman in Killoe prior to the Great War.

He married Ellen (sometimes written Helena or Ellenor) McCormack in Longford in June 1894. Their children were: Patrick, Charles, Mary, Ann, Elizabeth, Jane and Ellen. Some of the children were born in Cavan and Roscommon, but some were born abroad, including at Manchester, Mauritius and Bloemfontein (South Africa).